About Pam MacKenzie

Pam MacKenzie grew up in a real estate family. Her parents were real estate brokers and office managers, and she herself was a licensed agent in the 1970s. But early on, Pam discovered she'd much rather write about the industry than sell. Now in her eighth year as the real estate editor at the Courier News, Pam believes she has the best job at the paper. In this blog, she's on a mission to empower readers to give them a strong understanding of anything and everything that can impact their ability to own a home. And she believes passionately that when you understand the real estate industry in New Jersey, you understand so much more: the education system, economic and racial bias, the way politics works or doesn't work and ecology, to name a few. She invites everybody to leave lots of comments, even when they disagree with her.

Koigu, the Canadian wool company known for its handpainted yarns, has collaborated with Sixth & Spring books to compile a book of shawls, “Wrapped in color.” I have always thought that “Koigu” was a Japanese word and that the company … Continue reading →

I often say that knitting is all about math. From getting gauge to modifying a pattern to creating a pattern, you need to make simple calculatons. And after a while, when you get comfortable with this, you can use math … Continue reading →

Some weeks, it’s like this. I have been working hard on stories such as the report in today’s paper about the Somerset County Library System and the story for Sunday’s paper about manufactured and tiny houses. And I have had … Continue reading →

Last week’s four lists of free Aran patterns were so popular, I thought I’d throw in another list. But the shawls in this list are not Aran shawls. Instead, these are shawls that will keep you warm in early spring, … Continue reading →

For three days, I’ve shared free Aran sweater patterns with you. First, it was patterns I’d shares in 2013 that now have ULRs. These were mostly patterns from Bernat and Patons, ztwo of the brands of Spinrite, the big Canadian … Continue reading →

This week, I started posting links to free patterns for Aran sweaters. These are cardigans and pullovers that have intricate cables and textures, similar to a style that developed on the Aran islands off the coast of Ireland. They are … Continue reading →

I had a wonderful time with about 35 knitters at the Woodbridge Library last night. We talked about charity knitting and what younger designers are creating. Thank you all for giving me such a warm welcome, even though my GPS … Continue reading →

I’ve covered several St. Patrick’s Day Parades for MyCentralJersey.com over the years. The bagpipes remind me of my late husband, who got teary-eyed everytime he heard a bagpipe play Amazing Grace. But the parade watchers wearing Irish fisherman sweaters or … Continue reading →

My living room looks like a cyclone hit it. Knitting books and magazines all over the floor. Three dolls on the floor near my rocking chair where I knit and yarn piled all around them. A tote bag full of … Continue reading →

It’s snowing outside, and even if it gets into the 40’s tomorrow, it won’t last long. It’s still winter, and it’s COLD. But one lucky reader can use her new book to make mittens that will keep her, her family … Continue reading →

About this Blog

Pam explores local knitting groups and yarn shops, critiques patterns and shares her wisdom on techniques for improving your craft.

About the author

Pam MacKenzie
Our real estate editor, Pam MacKenzie, expresses her creative side in this blog about knitting. Pam learned to knit at age 6, when her friend’s mother made Pam’s doll a dress, and Pam wanted to make more. Her mother wanted her to learn how to sew in high school, but she was afraid of the sewing machines, cutting fabric the wrong way, and the potential that sewing would have for bringing down her grade-point average. Every year, she managed to find a course conflict to avoid sewing classes. But the day after high school graduation, she took her graduation money to a fabric store, bought a kit to make a sweater, taught herself to read patterns and never looked back. These days, she knits a prayer shawl every month, along with sweaters, tote bags, gift bags and other goodies. She also designs many of her projects. Read More About PamE-mail Pam